Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog is a recently invented breed native to Australia. Although its development began only in the 90s of XX century nowadays it’s one of the trendiest companion dogs in its homeland. It’s remarkable for well-balanced and amiable disposition and relatively good health.

The Australian Bulldog appeared as the result of independent breeding efforts of two Australian families. Its story began in 90s of the XX century when Pip Nobes mated her male English Bulldog with a female dog of the unknown origin, which was specifically bred for pig hunting. Despite the fact that it was no more than an experiment she was immensely pleased with the offspring since puppies were characterised with excellent health and lovely temperament.

In 1988 another Queensland couple, Noel and Tina Greed hit upon an idea of developing its own line of Bulldog. Later both families worked together in order to strengthen desirable characteristics in the newly invented breed. They attained this goal by crossing the English Bulldog with the Boxer, Bullmastiff, mixed-breed dogs, and the American Bulldog.

Their methodical and professional approach to breeding practices led to the invention of the Australian Bulldog. Despite its close kinship to the English Bulldog this dog was notable for much more robust health and sturdy physique. It matched perfectly to urban lifestyle with its average size, pleasant nature and appealing look.

In 1998 the fate of the breed took a dramatic turn. Several television and radio shows dedicated to the dog spurred national interest to this unique Bulldog’s variety and many local breeders embarked on a venture of developing their own lines. Some of them pursued commercial goals and cared very little about their dog’s temperament and conformation. These dogs of inadequate quality hindered greatly with eventual establishment of the breed so the necessity of some standardisation became evident. After years of experimentation it was declared that the purebred Australian Bulldog should include between 75 to 81,25% of English Bulldog’s blood and between 18,75-25% other breeds.

Currently the Australian Bulldog’s fanciers achieved just partial recognition of the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). Naturally enough it has a rather long way to go towards gaining some international recognition. Nevertheless the breed remains a desirable and highly fashionable companion animal in its homeland. Very few specimens left Australia in the latter decade, so its population is concentrated exclusively in this country.

The Australian Bulldog was developed exclusively for a companionship. That’s why breeders of this dog put special efforts into both its personal traits and appearance. The dog commonly closely attaches to its human family and wants nothing more than to be actively involved in its life. As a rule it’s very gentle with children although it should be introduced to their company as early as possible. But it doesn’t like rough playing and occasional spontaneity of children’s behaviour.

In most cases the Australian Bulldog is good with unfamiliar people although it tends to display certain cautiousness in their presence. Its open and sociable disposition makes it perceive all human as potential friends rather than threats. The dog is characterised with strong territorial instinct and usually becomes very good watchdog. However, It won’t be useful in the role of a guard dog since it is not able to act aggressively enough.

The Australian Bulldog has quite good reputation with other canines. Many of its specimens will appreciate a chance to share their existence with one or several dogs of both sexes. However the breed can become fairly aggressive if some strange dog invades its subordinate territory. This implies that the dog must be kept in a securely fenced yard to prevent occasional conflicts with other canines. Hunting instinct is barely pronounced in this breed so it will become a good choice for households with pre-existing cats. As with any other dog the Australian Bulldog should get accustomed to the presence of other species of animals since an early age.

The most common problems for the breed include:
• canine hip dysplasia;
• elbow dysplasia;
• heart murmur;
• patellar luxation;
• spinal deformities;
• skeletal growth abnormalities;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy;
• eye problems;
• demodex mange;
• allergies;
• heat sensitivity.
• breathing problems.

The grooming of the Australian Bulldog won’t need significant investment of time. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to keep its coat healthy and neat. The breed sheds moderately and should be bathed only when it’s absolutely necessary.

It’s imperative to clean the facial folds of the dog minimum once a day and ideally after each feeding. The point is that food, debris, dirt and various particles are easily stuck in between the skin wrinkles, which can induce skin irritations and infections. The dog’s ears should be periodically inspected and cleaned for the similar reason.

The Australian Bulldog is a relatively trainable breed thanks to its general willingness to pleasure and inquisitive mind. However, this type of the Bulldog is notable for its stubborn streak but this trait is expressed in much lesser extent than in many related breeds. It’s better to initiate training process at an early age when the dog is the most pliable and readily soaks everything you want to teach it.

It’s worth to know that this breed poses certain difficulties in relation to obedience training so it’s prudent to apply step-by-step and consistent approach to the lessons with this dog. The Australian Bulldog will become exceedingly obstinate, wilful and unmanageable animal if it’s treated abusively or otherwise unfairly. Verbal encouragement and tasty treats are the only ways of motivation, which makes itraining successful.

The Australian Bulldog takes preference for active lifestyle but it will be quite satisfied with average amount of physical exercise. At the very least it should be taken for a daily long and vigorous walk. At the same time the dog craves for an opportunity to release its buoyant energy in a free run in a safely fenced territory.

In order to avoid such behavioural problems as hyper activity or destructiveness it’s highly important to provide your dog with enough physical outlets on the regular basis. Essentially the Australian Bulldog is perfectly suited for families who like to spend their holidays actively and prefer to include the dog in their pastime.